Zambia

We have been operating in Zambia since 2013. It is our largest foreign office. We are also a significant partner of UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees). Our primary focus is supporting refugees and developing economic self-sufficiency through sustainable agriculture and small business start-ups. We also provide college scholarships to vulnerable refugees and build farmers' resilience to climate change. In the health sector, we focus on maternal and young children’s health and nutrition.

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Health and nutrition

We have been able to improve the accessibility and quality of care for mothers and their newborn babies and have developed a midwife training system in the Western Province. We have supported several rural health facilities and provided them with modern medical equipment for maternal and perinatal care. We have promoted the cultivation of nutritious food. We train female volunteers to teach Zambians how to prepare healthy meals to combat child malnutrition.

Ekonomická soběstačnost

Economic self-sufficiency

Our focus in supporting agriculture is increasing agricultural yields and farmers' resistance to climate change, using agricultural innovation and efficient farming methods. We also support small business development and financial literacy to strengthen self-sufficiency and provide specialised training. We also link food producers to buyers and support management and business development

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Supporting refugees

Zambia is home to more than 100,000 refugees. Most of them have minimal opportunities to earn a living. Our focus is on access to education for refugees, including providing university scholarships and promoting self-sufficiency through agriculture. This is one of the few possible sources of livelihood, along with small businesses in remote areas that need basic infrastructure where refugee camps are located.

More about our work in Zambia

I wouldn't have graduated without the support of Caritas Czech Republic. Today I am a doctor, says young refugee Sigiro
June 30, 2023 News

I wouldn't have graduated without the support of Caritas Czech Republic. Today I am a doctor, says young refugee Sigiro

The entrance to a large hospital in Zambia's capital Lusaka is buzzing with life. Visitors are trying to find a parking space and honk at the forming queue. At the entrance, street vendors offer bananas or fried potatoes. On plastic chairs at one of the street bistros sit a few hospital employees who have run in for their lunch break. But inside the big hospital, in the paediatric surgery clinic, it is quiet.

Instead of being wasted, mangoes turn into refreshing drink: How we support entrepreneurs in Zambia’s Western province
June 26, 2023 News

Instead of being wasted, mangoes turn into refreshing drink: How we support entrepreneurs in Zambia’s Western province

Zambia's Western Province is rich in mangoes. But tons of the fruit go to waste every year. Due to a lack of processing plants, the mangoes are not processed in time and instead of being used, they gradually rot. Caritas Czech Republic is trying to change this. In Western province of Zambia, we supported farmer and entrepreneur Kaingu who wants to process the mango crop efficiently and employ local people at the same time.

7 ways Caritas Czech Republic helps refugees and internally displaced people get on their feet
June 13, 2023 News

7 ways Caritas Czech Republic helps refugees and internally displaced people get on their feet

Despite prejudice, refugees are not people who wait with their hand out for help. On the contrary, they want to study, work and, above all, be self-sufficient. But in a new country, far from home and in an unfamiliar environment, it is difficult for them to achieve self-sufficiency. Yet all it takes is a helping hand at the beginning for refugees to be able to stand on their own feet again. Caritas Czech Republic is lending them this helping hand. What does our help look like?

Scholarship for refugees opened the door for Francesca to study at university and to live a self-sufficient life
June 1, 2023 News

Scholarship for refugees opened the door for Francesca to study at university and to live a self-sufficient life

Over 100,000 refugees have found refuge in Zambia. The vast majority of them have fled war and violence in neighbouring countries. As did Francesca's family 30 years ago (her name was changed for security reasons). Thanks to the help of Caritas Czech Republic, Francesca studied at university and became a pharmacist. We met the smiling Francesca in a small pharmacy on the outskirts of the Zambian capital Lusaka, where she told us her story.